Continuing Education
For the Fire Fighter
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Building Construction
Module 3
Chapter 4
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Explain the hazards related to
building construction.
Recognize the factors that
influence structural
collapse.
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UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION TYPES CAN
HELP FIREFIGHTERS IN SEVERAL WAYS.
Predict
Make aware
aspects of Select
of structural
fire correct tools
instability
development
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UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION TYPES CAN
HELP FIREFIGHTERS IN SEVERAL WAYS.
Select right Apply
Adds to
Judge type of emergency
situational
safety vertical escape
awareness
ventilation techniques
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CONSTRUCTION SIZE UP IS BASED ON THE
CONSIDERATION OF SEVERAL FACTORS.
Age of building
Construction materials
Roof type
Renovations,
modifications
Dead loads
Number of stories
Windows
Other
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YOU MUST BE AWARE OF CONDITIONS CREATED
BOTH BY THE FIRE AND BY TRYING TO EXTINGUISH
THE FIRE.
Conditions
Conditions that
that make contribute
building to spread
susceptible and
to collapse intensity of
fire
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DANGEROUS BUILDING CONDITIONS ARE
CREATED BY A VARIETY OF FACTORS.
Courtesy of Eddie Avila
Fuel loading Furnishings/ Roof Large, open
finishes coverings spaces
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ENGINEERED AND TRUSS CONSTRUCTION
PRESENTS UNIQUE HAZARDS.
When unprotected Critical temperature Construction
can fail for steel
• Metal
• After 5 to gusset
10 minutes plates can
of fire • 1,000°F
(538°C) warp, fail
exposure unless
• From corner
exposure nailed
to heat • May be
without protected
flame with fire-
retardant
treatments
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BOWSTRING TRUSS ROOFS, COMMON IN LARGE
OPEN FLOOR SPACES, PRESENT UNIQUE
PROBLEMS.
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CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND
DEMOLITION CAN CREATE HAZARDS.
Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD
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STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE IS THE FAILURE OF A
BUILDING OR ANY PORTION OF A BUILDING.
Should be
Results from May occur
considered
• Natural • With or • During
cause without preincident
• Explosion warning surveys
• Damage from • Throughout
other forces size-up
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MANY FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN
DETERMINING COLLAPSE POTENTIAL.
Renovations,
Age of Construction
additions, Weather Loads
structure Type
alterations
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MANY FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN
DETERMINING COLLAPSE POTENTIAL.
Amount of
Length of
water used Other
time fire Stage of fire Contents
to extinguish indicators
burns
fire
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WARNING
Structural collapse can
occur with little warning.
If indicators start to
appear, collapse is
imminent and personnel
must withdraw from the
structure and the
collapse zone.
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WHEN COLLAPSE IS IMMINENT YOU SHOULD
FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING STEPS.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Inform Establish clear Roll call or
Command, all collapse zone personnel
others in accountability
building report
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DETERMINING A COLLAPSE ZONE IS DONE
WITH SEVERAL FACTORS IN MIND.
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GUIDELINES TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING
THE COLLAPSE ZONE VARY BY CONSTRUCTION
TYPE.
Type I Type II Type III
Consider Should have
Not as likely to unprotected steel or collapse zone 1½
collapse noncombustible times structure
supports height
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GUIDELINES TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING
THE COLLAPSE ZONE VARY BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
Type IV Type V
Collapse
Least likely to influenced by
collapse style of
construction
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COLLAPSE ZONES ARE ESTABLISHED IN
THREE SITUATIONS.
There is indication
the structure has
A defensive
been weakened by Interior operations
strategy has been
prolonged cannot be justified
adopted
exposure to fire or
heat
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THE SIZE OF A COLLAPSE ZONE MUST ACCOUNT
FOR SEVERAL ISSUES, INCLUDING SAFETY.
Construction
type
Safest
location Other
• Apparatus exposures
• Personnel
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SUMMARY
Your safety when fighting fire depends on your ability to know how the building will
contribute to and even control the spread of fire.
You must also understand the effect fire and heat have on structural components and
materials to be able to anticipate results.
Knowing and understanding building construction is as vital as your knowledge and
understanding of fire behavior.
You must be familiar with the types of construction in your community or response area, be
aware of changes to existing structures, and follow trends in building construction.
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